The new Sandokan series is now available on Netflix for global audiences to stream. This show is an updated story of the classic pirate hero created by Italian author Emilio Salgari. It started airing on Italian television in December 2025 and quickly became popular. The series tells the early story of Sandokan, a pirate fighting against British colonial forces in 1840s Borneo. With a mix of adventure, romance, and large-scale action, the show aims to bring a famous literary character to a new generation. For viewers wondering if this is their next binge-watch, this guide covers what the series is about and what critics and audiences are saying.
What Is the Netflix Sandokan Series About?
The series is based on the adventure novels by Emilio Salgari, which introduced the character of Sandokan in the late 1800s. It is a new adaptation, not a remake of the famous 1976 television series that starred Kabir Bedi. This version goes back to the beginning, showing how Sandokan became the legendary “Tiger of Malaysia”.
The story is set in 1841 in Borneo. The British Empire is expanding its control, exploiting the land’s resources and people. Sandokan is a Dayak pirate captain who roams the South China Sea with his loyal, international crew. His life changes when he frees a prisoner who believes Sandokan is a prophesied warrior destined to free his people. His path crosses with Lady Marianna Guillonk, the strong-willed daughter of a British consul, and Lord James Brooke, a charming but ruthless pirate hunter working for the British. The plot follows Sandokan’s journey from a pirate seeking treasure to a leader discovering his true identity and fighting for his people’s freedom.
The show has been described as a “swashbuckling 19th-century historical drama” that blends action with a story about the fight for freedom.
Who Stars in the Sandokan Cast?
The series features an international cast led by Turkish actor Can Yaman in the title role. To prepare, Yaman underwent significant physical training, learned sword fighting, horse riding, and performed his own stunts.
He is joined by Alessandro Preziosi as Yanez de Gomera, Sandokan’s witty and loyal Portuguese friend. British actor Ed Westwick plays the antagonist, Lord James Brooke, the ambitious pirate hunter. Alanah Bloor portrays Lady Marianna Guillonk, the “Pearl of Labuan,” who finds herself drawn into Sandokan’s world.
The supporting cast includes John Hannah as Sergeant Murray, Madeleine Price as Sani, and Owen Teale as Lord Guillonk. The character of the Italian author Emilio Salgari also appears as a young pirate in Sandokan’s crew, serving as a storyteller within the show.
How Has the Sandokan Series Been Received?
The series first aired on Rai 1 in Italy over three weeks in December 2025, drawing strong viewership numbers that exceeded 4 million viewers for its finale. Its arrival on Netflix has introduced it to a worldwide audience, where it has entered the Top 10 charts in several countries, including the United States.
Critics have praised the show’s high production value, exciting action sequences, and beautiful filming locations, which include Thailand, Madagascar, and Italy. The adventurous spirit of the story and the performance of Alessandro Preziosi as Yanez have been highlighted as strong points. However, some reviews note that the romantic storyline between Sandokan and Marianna lacks chemistry, making their relationship less compelling. Other criticisms mention that the fast pace of the final episodes rushed through important story developments.
Fans of the original 1976 series have compared the two versions. Kabir Bedi, the original Sandokan, politely noted that his version relied more on practical stunts, while the new series uses more modern filmmaking techniques. Some eagle-eyed viewers also spotted a historical mistake where music from Verdi’s La Traviata was used in a scene set in 1841, even though the opera was written in 1853.
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Where Can You Watch Sandokan and Is There a Season 2?
For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, Sandokan is available to stream globally on Netflix. The series consists of 8 episodes, each between 51 and 61 minutes long.
A second season has already been confirmed. Production is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with the new season expected to be released in 2027. The story will reportedly move to the pirate island of Mompracem, a key location from the original novels. The main cast members, including Can Yaman, are set to return.
For fans of historical action dramas like Shลgun or Black Sails, this series offers a similar blend of political intrigue, clashing cultures, and sea-based adventure. Its focus on a non-European hero resisting colonization also gives it a modern relevance that resonates with today’s audiences.
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